Japan Kanji Museum & Library
Japan's first museum dedicated to the fascinating world of kanji, the Chinese characters that evolved into a unique part of Japanese culture.
Great for both adults and kids! You can play and learn together, test your kanji skills, and even try your hand at making rubbings. It's educational but also a lot of fun!
Kinoe Onsen Hotel Seifukan
This hot-spring hotel is located in Osakikamijima, the only island without a bridge among the islands of the Akinada-Tobishima Kaido, which is connected by seven bridges. It takes about 30 minutes by boat from Takehara port and this is the only transportation to get to the island, so you can fully enjoy the feeling of traveling to the island.
You need to take a ferry to get to the island, but you can even drive your car onto the boat. It's totally doable as a day trip. The open-air bath was fantastic—highly recommend!
Asian Resort Spa Seare
This spa resort is open 24 hours a day on weekends and offers natural hot springs. The water, which comes from 1,000 meters underground, is rich in salt and has an excellent moisturizing effect, warming the body from the core and gently soothing the fatigue of travel. Towels and other items are available for rent (additional fee required), so you can come empty-handed.
There are lots of different hot spring pools here, and they're all natural. They also have private family baths, so everyone can enjoy together.
Seibu Tokorozawa S.C.
First opened in 1986, this shopping center brings together Seibu Tokorozawa S.C. and unique specialty stores. It is directly connected to the 2nd floor of Tokorozawa Station’s south exit by pedestrian deck.
There's Biccamera, Muji, and a pet store, so it's easy to pass the time here.
Katsura Imperial Villa
In early Edo Period, Imperial Prince Hachijonomiya Toshihito lived in Katsura Detatched Palace. It was developed over decades, known as a graceful garden throughout the Edo Period and the Imperial Household Agency took over the administration in Meiji Period. The vast ground with hills, ponds and tea houses is the oldest example of circuit style garden that exists.
This is a garden used by the Imperial family, with a very Japanese-style design. You can apply for entry on the spot, but spots are limited, so it's best to make a reservation with the Imperial Household Agency in advance.
Nakajima Park
Located at the heart of Sapporo, Nakajima Park offers a verdant space. many tourists flock to this popular park to see ever-changing scenery through four seasons.
The park isn't very big, but it's really pretty. Just sitting in the sun here feels so relaxing.
Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.
The night view of Otaru City from the top of Mt. Tengu is really nice!
Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls
The Ishikari River is a first-class river that flows through the central-western part of Hokkaido and empties into the Sea of Japan. Sounkyo, located along the Ishikari River, has a large gorge with many waterfalls falling from the cliffs over a distance of 24 kilometers. Two of the most beautiful waterfalls are "Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls."
One winter, I visited Sounkyo Onsen and stopped by the falls before checking into the hotel. Our guide told us there was no set meeting time and we could stay as long as we wanted, but the wind in the gorge was so strong that everyone's faces went numb! We all took a few quick photos and rushed back to the bus. In less than 10 minutes, everyone was back on board, saying we couldn't wait to get to the hot spring! ♨️🤣